Writing pen



Patented May 3, 1938 'UNITED STATES PATENT FFllCrE 15 Claims.

This invention relates to pens and particularly to a type of pen, in the use of which, considerable pressure is frequently exerted on the writing end thereof, as, for example, in the use of stylographic pens of the 'type shown in Patents Nos.2,033,164

and 2,033,794 issuedto me March 10, `1936.

One objectof the present invention is to provide a self-sealing fountain pen construction wherein no protecting cap or cover adjacent the writing point of the pen is required.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel rconstruction and arrangement in ypens of the character described wherein the pen point member is longitudinally movable in the body of the pen and nozzle portion thereof, and wherein the .discharge opening for the ink is manually controlled to provide ink for writing purposes and to positively seal the discharge opening when the pen is not in use.

Another object of the invention -is to `provide a novel manually controlled valve arrangement for preventing accidental or unintentional `discharge of ink from-the pen, and to provide novel means for maintaining the valve normally in closed condition when the pen is not in use.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pen point member of novel constructionto facilitate feeding of the ink to a stiff, non-spreading writing portion capable `of receiving pressures suitable for producing carbon copies.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pen of the character described with a novel selfcontained mechanical filler arrangement, or, in other words, a pen of the stylographic type which is capable of being filled without-resorting to the old rmethod of using a dropper or the like.

Another object of `the invention is `to provide a fountain pen 'having a novel ink channel construction to facilitate the flow of ink therethrough.

A, further object of the invention is to provide novel means to facilitate cleaning of the pen when such cleaning is required.

A still further object of the invention is to improve'devices of the character described in sundry details hereinafter referred to and particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

One embodiment of the present invention is shown for illustrative purposes in the accompanying drawing in which:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view of a pen combining features of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional elevational View taken substantially as indicated by the 1ine.2-2 ofFig. 1,the central or intermediate (Cl. 1Z0-44) portion of Fig. 2 being broken away to permit of showing the structure on a considerably enlarged scale;

Fig. 3 is a further enlargedtransverse sectional plan View taken substantially as indicated by the line 3 3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is also a further enlarged fragmentary Sectio-nal elevational view of the structure adjacent the lower end portion of Fig. l, as indicated by the line dthereof, but showing the parts in changed position;

Fig.5 is a transverse sectional plan view taken substantially as indicated by the line 5--5 of Fie. 4;

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional plan View of a portion of the structure illustrated in Fig. 2 and taken substantially as indicated by the line 6-6 thereof; and

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary sectional Velevational view illustrating a slightly modified arran-gement of the structure illustrated in Fig. 6.

The illustrative embodiment of the invention comprises a body portion, indicated as a whole by the numeral II, and shown in the present instance, as comprising a hollow tubular barrel I2 having a nozzle, indicated as a whole by the numeral I3, positioned in one end thereof, the said nozzle being shown, in the present instance, as comprising a tapered portion I having a tubular shell `or sleeve i5 positioned therein and Yextending beyond the outer end thereof, the said nozzle i3, and, if desired, the barrel i2, providing a container or reservoir I5 for maintaining a supply of ink within the device for writing purposes.

Slidably mounted in the barrel I2 of the body portion il, preferably adjacent one end thereof, is an elongated block Il, and mounted in the block, preferably adjacent the central portion thereof, and in a manner to move therewith, is a pen point member or core i8 shown, inthe present instance, as of tubular form having an elongated opening I9 extending longitudinally therethrough, the pen point member or core I8 extending through the nozzle I3 and sleeve portion I5 thereof in spaced relation thereto in a manner to provide an ink channel ZI communicating with the reservoir 16.

As Villustrated in Fig. 2, the core I8 extends beyond the outer end of the sleeve portion I5 `of the nozzle I3 and is flared outwardly, as indicated at 22, in a manner to provide a combined laterally extending writing portion and also a valve head 23 adapted to cooperate with an inclined valve seat 24 formed on the sleeve portion I5 of the nozzle I3 adjacent the outer end thereof and adjacent the discharge end of the ink channel 2| for closing and positively sealing the ink channel against the discharge of ink therefrom when the pen is not in use.

By such an arrangement, it will be apparent that when the pen point member or core I8 is projected in a manner to extend beyond the end of the sleeve I5, as shown in Fig. l, the ink from the reservoir I6 and channel 2| may flow along the surface of the core to the writing portion 22, and to facilitate the flow of ink through the channel 2|, one of the walls of the channel formed by the inner surface of the sleeve portion I of the nozzle I3 and the outer surface of the core I8, and shown, in the present instance, as the outer surface of the core I8, is provided with a plurality of annularly spaced grooves 25 (Figs. 2, 4 and 5) extending, preferably, throughout the length of the ink channel 2 I, and to facilitate the distribution of the ink around and adjacent the writing end portion of the core I8, a plurality of notches 26 (Fig. 4) are formed in the material of the core between the grooves 25 in a manner to provide communication between the respective grooves.

For projecting and retracting the core I8, with reference to the nozzle I3, the block I1 is provided with a plurality of oppositely disposed pins 21 extending outwardly therefrom through a plurality of oppositely disposed elongated slots 28 formed in the tubular barrel I2 and extending longitudinally thereof, the outer end portions of the pins 21 being engaged, respectively, by a plurality of oppositely disposed spirally arranged inclined cam grooves 29 formed in a manually operated member or cam ring 3|, rotatably mounted on the tubular barrel I 2 and secured, in the present instance, against longitudinal movement with respect thereto by means of an inturned edge portion 32 (Fig. 2) formed on one end of the ring 3| and adapted to engage an annular groove 33 formed in the tubular barrel I2.

It will be observed from the foregoing description that when the cam ring 3| is rotated in one direction, the pins 21 in the cam grooves 29 will cause the block I1 to be moved downwardly to project the core I8 beyond the end of the sleeve I5 to a position for use in Writing as shown in Fig. 2, and that when the ring 3| is rotated in the opposite direction, the action of the cam grooves 29 on the pins 21 will cause the core I8 to be retracted and the valve head 23 to be moved into engagement with the seat 24 on the sleeve I5 in a manner to close and positively seal the ink channel 2| against the discharge of ink therefrom.

For providing a seal between the tubular barrel I2 and lower end portion of the block I1, a resilient retaining and sealing member 34 is provided, the lower end portion of which is adapted to be secured rigidly within the tubular barrel I2 by suitable means shown, in the present instance, as an annular rib 35 adapted to exert an eX- panding action or outward pressure adjacent the lower end portion of the member 34 to urge said lower end portion snugly against the inner surface or wall of the barrel I2, while the upper end portion of the member 34' is adapted to snugly engage a neck portion 3B formed adjacent the lower end of the block I1.

In order to normally retain the valve head 23 in engagement with the valve seat 24 to prevent leakage of the ink from the channel 2|, the resilient member 34, when elongated or, in other words, when the block I1 is moved to its highest position, is under at least a slight compression for normally urging the valve head 23 against the valve seat 24, and when the block I1 is moved in a downward direction to project the core I8 beyond the end of the nozzle, the member 34 is further compressed, but not sufficiently to overcome the friction between the various relatively movable parts to cause the core I8 to be retracted without manually rotating the cam ring 3|, and to prevent possible distortion or buckling of the walls of the member 34 as a result of such further compresson, the member 34 is provided, preferably on its inner surface, with a plurality of elongated annularly spaced ribs or corrugations 31, as clearly shown in Fig. 2 and in the fragmentary sectional view shown in Fig. 6.

In Fig. 7 is shown a modified construction of the sealing and retaining member, indicated at 34a, wherein an annular rib 31a, of substantial width is provided to prevent distortion or buckling of the wall of the member 34a when compressed longitudinally under the conditions above described.

For filling the reservoir I6, a filler member shown in the present instance, as a resilient bulb 33 (Fig. 2), formed, preferably, of rubber or other suitable material, is mounted on the upper end portion of the block I1 and shown, in the present instance, as secured thereto by means of a ring 39, screw-threaded onto a neck portion 4I adjacent the upper end of the block, the interior of the bulb, communicating with the elongated aperture or opening I9 of the core I8 in a manner to draw ink therethrough during the filling operation. 'Ihe block I1 is provided with elongated apertures 42 communicating with the interior of the bulb 38 and with barrel I2, and through the apertures 42 ink may be dispelled from the bulb into the reservoir I6, the threaded ring 39 being provided to facilitate the removal of the bulb for cleaning purposes.

For protecting and concealing the bulb 38, a cap 43 may be screw-threaded onto the upper end portion of the barrel I2 as clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

It will be apparent from the foregoing description that the present invention provides a novel construction and arrangement in fountain pens wherein the writing portion may be projected from the body of the pen for writing purposes, and may be retracted from writing position and the ink channel sealed against accidental or unintentional discharge of ink therefrom when the pen is not in use, so that the pen may be carried in a pocket or purse without the necessity of a cap or cover over the writing end portion as is necessary in fountain pens of the character now in use.

Obviously, the present invention is not limited to the precise construction and arrangement shown and described as the same may be variously modified. Moreover, all the features of the invention need not be used conjointly as the same may be used to advantage in variously different combinations and subcombinations.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a fountain pen having a body portion and a hollow nozzle mounted rigidly thereon and providing an ink reservoir, the combination of a core movably mounted in said body portion and positioned in the opening of said nozzle in spaced relation thereto to provide an ink channel cornmunicating with said reservoir, and means con- CAJI nected to said core and operatively related to said body portion for moving the core longitudinally with respect to said body portion and nozzle.

2. In a fountain pen having a body portion and a hollow nozzle mounted rigidly thereon and providing an ink reservoir, the combination of a core movably mounted in said body portion and positioned in said body portion and extending through the opening of said nozzle in spaced relation the-reto to provide an ink channel commiuiicating with said reservoir, and means connected to said core and operatively related to said body portion for moving the core longitudinally in opposite directions with respect to said body portion and nozzle.

3. In a fountain pen having a body portion and a hollow nozzle mounted rigidly thereon and providing an ink reservoir, the combination of a core movably mounted in said body portion and positioned in said body portion and extending through the opening of said nozzle in spaced relation thereto to provide an ink channel communicating with said reservoir, and means connected to said corey and operatively related to said body portion for moving the core longitudinally in opposite directions with respect to said body portion and nozzle, said core having a laterally extending portion engageable with :said nozzle for closing the discharge end of said ink channel.

4. In a fountain pen having a body portion and a hollow nozzle mounted rigidly thereon and providing an ink reservoir, the combination of ,a core movably mounted in said body portion and positioned in said body portion and extending through the opening of said nozzle in spaced relation thereto to provide an ink channel communicating with said reservoir, and means connected to said core and operatively related to said body portion for moving the core longitudinally in opposite directions with respect to said body portion and nozzle, said core having a laterally extending writing portion engageable with the end portion of said nozzle for closing the discharge end of said ink channel.

5. In a fountain pen having a body portion and a hollow nozzle thereon providing an ink reservoir, the combination of a supporting block slidably mounted in said body portion, a core connected to said block within said body portion and extending through the opening of said nozzle in spaced relation thereto to provide an ink channel communicating with said reservoinsaid nozzle having a valve seat formed thereon adjacent its outer end portion, said core having a writing portion providing a valve head adapted to cooperate with sai-d seat, and resilient means connected to said body portion and to said block for providing a seal between the body portion and the block adjacent one end of said reservoir.

6. In a fountain pen having a body portion and a hollow nozzle thereon providing an ink reservoir, the combination of a core positioned in said body portion and extending through the opening of said nozzle in` spaced relation thereto to provide an ink channel communicating with said reservoir, said nozzle having a valve seat formed thereon adjacent its outer end portion, said core having a laterally extending writing portion adjacent its outer end providing a valve head adapted to cooperatewith said seat to close said ink channel, means connected to said core and operatively related to said body portion for moving said valve head into and out of engagement with said valve seat, and means operatively related to the inner portion of said core and to said body portion for normally urging said valve head towards said seat.

'7. In a fountain pen having a body portion and a hollow nozzle thereon providing an ink reservoir, the combination of a supporting block slidably mounted in the body portion, a core mounted in said block and extending* through said nozzle in spaced relation thereto to provide an ink channel communicating with said reservoir, a valve seat formed on said nozzle adjacent the end thereof, a valve head adjacent the outer end of said core engageable with said seat to close said ink channel, and means operatively related to said body portion and block for moving said valve head into and out of engagement with said valve seat.

8. In a fountain pen having a body portion and a hollow nozzle thereon providing an ink reservoir, the combination of a supporting block slidably mounted in said body portion, a core mounted in said block and extending through said nozzle in spaced relation thereto and cooperative with the inner wall of the nozzle to provide an ink channel communicating with said reservoir, a valve seat formed on said nozzle adjacent the discharge end of said channel, a valve head adjacent the outer end of said core engageable with said seat to close said ink channel, and a manually operated cam ring rotatably mounted on said body portion and operatively related to said block for moving said valve head into and out of engagement with said valve seat.

9. In a fountain pen having a body portion and a hollow nozzle thereon providing an lnk reservoir, the combination of a supporting block slidably mounted in said body portion, a core mounted in said block and extending through said nozzle in spaced relation thereto and cooperating with the inner wall of the nozzle to provide an ink channelv communicating with said reservoir, a valve seat formed on said nozzle adjacent the discharge end of said channel, a valve head adjacent the outer end of said core engageable with said seat to close said ink channel, a manually operated cam ring rotatably mounted on said body portion and operatively related to said block for moving said valve head into and out of engagement with said valve seat, and resilient means operatively related to said body portion and core for normally urging said valve head towards said seat.

1G. In a fountain pen having a body portion and a hollow nozzle thereon providing an ink reservoir, the combination of a supporting block slidably mounted in said body portion, a core mounted in said block and extending through said nozzle in spaced relation thereto and cooperative with the inner wall of the nozzle to provide an ink channel communicating with said reservoir, a valve seat formed on said nozzle adjacent the discharge end of said channel, a combined writing portion and valve head adjacent the outer end of said core engageable with said seat to close said ink channel, a manually operated cam ring rotatably mounted on said body portion and operatively related to said block for moving said valve head into and out of engagement with said valveseat, and resilient means operatively related to said body portion and block and normally under compression for normally urging said valve head towards said seat.

1l. In a fountain pen having a body portion and a hollow nozzle thereon providing an ink reservoir, the combination of a supporting block slidably mounted in said body portion, said block having a reduced neck portion adjacent one of its ends, a core mounted in said block and eX- tending through said nozzle in spaced relation thereto and cooperating with the inner wall of the nozzle to provide an ink channel communicating with said reservoir, a valve seat formed on said nozzle adjacent the discharge end of said channel, a valve head adjacent the outer end of said core engageable with said seat to close Said ink channel, a manually operated cam ring rotatably mounted on said body portion and operatively related to said block for moving said valve head into and out of engagement with said valve seat, a resilient tubular member operatively related to said body portion and neck portion of said block for providing a seal between the body portion and block and for normally urging Said valve head towards said` seat, and means on said tubular member for stiffening the walls thereof.

l2. In a fountain pen having a body portion and a hollow nozzle thereon providing an ink reservoir, the combination of a supporting block slidably mounted in said body portion, said block having a reduced neck portion adjacent one end thereof, a core mounted in said block and extending through said nozzle in spaced relation thereto and cooperating with the inner Wall of the nozzle to provide an ink channel communicating with said reservoir, a valve seat formed on said nozzle adjacent the discharge end of said channel, a combined Writing portion and valve head adjacent the outer end of said core engageable with said seat to close said ink channel, a manually operated cam ring rotatably mounted on said body portion and operatively related to said block for moving said valve head into and out of engagement With said valve seat, and a resilient tubular member rigidly connected adjacent one of its ends to said body portion and at its opposite end to the neck portion of said block, said tubular member being normally under compression for normally urging said valve head towards said seat and being adapted to be further compressed when said valve head is moved away from said seat, the walls of said member having a plurality of integral longitudinally extending ribs formed thereon for stiiening the walls to prevent buckling thereof by reason of said compression.

13. In a fountain pen having a body portion and a hollow nozzle thereon providing an ink reservoir, said body portion having an elongated longitudinally extending slot formed therein, the combination of a supporting block slidably mounted in the body portion, a projection on Said block extending through said slot, a core mounted in said block and extending through said nozzle in spaced relation thereto to provide an ink channel communicating with said reservoir, a valve seat formed on said nozzle adjacent the end thereof, a valve head adjacent the outer end of said core engageable with said seat to close said ink channel, and a manually operated ring rotatably mounted on said body portion and secured against longitudinal movement with respect thereto, said ring having a cam groove formed therein adapted to receive the end portion of said projection for sliding said block longitudinally of said body portion and moving said valve head into and out of engagement with said valve seat.

14. In a fountain pen having a body portion and a hollow nozzle thereon providing an ink reservoir, said body portion having a plurality of oppositely disposed elongated longitudinally extending slots formed therein, the combination of a supporting block slidably mounted in said body portion, a plurality of oppositely disposed projections on said block extending through said slots, a core mounted in said block and extending through said nozzle in spaced relation thereto to provide an ink channel communicating with said reservoir, a valve seat formed on said nozzle adjacent the outer end thereof, a valve head adjacent the outer end of said core engageable with said seat to close said ink channel, a manually operated ring rotatably mounted on said body portion and secured against longitudinal movement with respect thereto, said ring having a plurality of oppositely disposed spirally arranged cam grooves formed therein adapted to receive the end portions of said projections for sliding said block longitudinally of said body portion and moving said valve head into and out of engagement with said valve seat, and yielding means engageable with said body portion and block for normally urging said Valve head toward said seat.

15. In a fountain pen having a body portion and a hollow nozzle thereon providing an ink reservoir, said body portion having a plurality of elongated slots formed therein, the combination of a supporting block having elongated apertures therein and slidably mounted in said body portion, a tubular core having an elongated opening therein mounted in said block and extending through said nozzle in spaced relation thereto and cooperative with the inner Wall of the nozzle to provide an ink channel communicating with said reservoir, a ller member secured to one end of said block and communicating with the opening in said core and, through the apertures in said block, with the interior of said reservoir, a valve seat formed on said nozzle adjacent the discharge end of said channel, a valve head adjacent the outer end of said core engageable with said seat to close said ink channel, a manually operated member rotatably mounted on said body portion, means extending through the slots in said body portion and operatively related to said rotatable member and block for moving said valve head into and out of engagement with said valve seat when said manually operated member is rotated, and resilient means engaging said body portion and block for providing a seal between the body portion and block for normally urging said valve head towards said seat.

GEORGE S. WALTER. 

